10.2: Oxidase Test Procedure
Oxidase Test Procedure
Name: _____________________________________________________
Course Section: ______________________________________________
The following activity will teach students how to perform an oxidase test and detect the presence of the cytochrome c oxidase enzyme.
| Materials |
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| Procedure |
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1. Get into groups of 2. 2. Obtain an oxidase DrySlide. 3. Using a toothpick, add a sample of each species into separate panels of the DrySlide. 4. Start a timer for 20 seconds. 5. Watch for purple color to develop on the oxidase test strip within 20 seconds.
A color change after 20 seconds is also considered oxidase negative. 6. Repeat for each bacterial species you are testing. |
Results
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Species |
Color Change (Y/N) |
Cytochrome C Oxidase (+/-) |
Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
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Escherichia coli |
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Alcaligenes faecalis |
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General Questions
1. What metabolic pathway is cytochrome c oxidase important in?
2. What would happen to a bacterial cell that lost its ability to produce cytochrome c oxidase?
3. Is a bacterial species that produces cytochrome c oxidase aerobic? Explain your answer.
4. Is a bacterial species that does not produce cytochrome c oxidase anaerobic? Explain your answer.
5. Is the oxidase test useful for bacterial species identification and characterization? Explain your answer.
6. How can the oxidase test be used when diagnosing gonorrhea? Should it be the only test used when diagnosing gonorrhea?